Underrated Free Agent: Jordan Hill
By darrenjacks
Feb 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill (27) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Lakers defeated the Sixers 112-98. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Hill is going to be a free agent this offseason and should be a target of teams that need a big man.
Hill was considered to be a bust after being selected #8 overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. Eventually, he got traded to the Houston Rockets (in the trade that sent Tracy McGrady to the Knicks) and LA picked him up on March 15, 2012 (for Derek Fisher and a first round draft pick).
However, in his two seasons with the Lakers he has developed quite nicely with more playing time than he received in NY and Houston.
There are a lot of big men available this offseason: Spencer Hawes (unrestricted free agent), Greg Monroe (restricted free agent), Chris Kaman (UFA), and Marcin Gortat (UFA) are probably the best available. All of them will probably command at least 9-10 million per season, except for Kaman who is older than the others.
However, at just 27 (when next season begins), Hill is entering his prime and should be a solid pickup for any team interested in a player that can score, rebound and play some defense. He is averaging 9ppg and 7.3rpg this season. He’s likely due for a raise (he is making 4 million this season), he could probably get 5-6 million per season based off his season and has said he’s unlikely to return to the Lakers without changes being made.
After losing Dwight Howard as a free agent to the Houston Rockets and most likely Pau Gasol this offseason, the Lakers can’t continue to just lose big men without getting something in return. They need to make every effort to make changes and re-sign Hill or they will be left with just Robert Sacre on the roster, and he’s a backup, at best.
Here are some of his better games this season:
Hill put up 18 points, 15 rebounds and blocked four shots against DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings on April 2nd in their 107-102 loss.
He had an absolutely monster game (including a sick dunk) in the Los Angeles Lakers 108-105 road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on March 27th, scoring 28 points (on 13-of-17 shooting) and grabbing 16 rebounds.
He also pumped in 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against the Orlando Magic on March 23rd in the Lakers 103-94 win.
He also had a great game in the Lakers 114-99 win over the Detroit Pistons on November 17th, he scored 24 points and hustled on the boards, grabbing 17 rebounds.